Second Opinion

Regret in Medicine: The Hidden Burden Doctors Bear 06.04.2025 4:53 ↓

Even when things go right, the outcome may not be what was expected.  

One Health, One World, One Essential Partner: USAID 30.03.2025 4:59 ↓

Anthrax – an example of how the US Government has worked to stop the spread of disease

The impact of USAID funding cuts in Uganda 23.03.2025 5:00 ↓

Without warning, and with no time to develop alternative approaches, funding just stopped.  People are dying.

Disparities in “Assisted Aid in Dying” 16.03.2025 4:55 ↓

Data suggests that barriers may exist with adults being aware of this option for care at the end of life.

Vladimir’s Choice – a fable from Eastern Europe 09.03.2025 4:54 ↓

We often make choices that are short-sighted and seem to serve our own interests rather than the interests of all

Significant cuts to Medicaid (MediCal) will have a negative impact on us all. 23.02.2025 4:59 ↓

As Congress debates cuts to Medicaid (the health insurance program for the poor and disabled) in order to deliver a tax cut to the wealthy, it risks a cascade of negative effects on our entire health care system.

The US pushes the world backward 16.02.2025 5:00 ↓

USAID is a powerhouse of humanitarianism and global security

Will I benefit from that drug? 09.02.2025 4:50 ↓

Statistics can be intimidating.  But before you decide to begin a treatment you should ask what the expected benefit will be to you.

Do doctors keep up to date with their medical knowledge? 02.02.2025 4:51 ↓

It’s hard to tell, but we have no way to know for sure. 

Will AI replace clinicians? 26.01.2025 4:59 ↓

AI is increasingly being used to collect and process clinical information. Whether this is a good thing depends on who you ask.

When is a disease not a disease? 19.01.2025 5:00 ↓

When one in three people have an abnormal lab test, does it become a disease?

How Medical Data Bases Lead to Better Individual Treatment 12.01.2025 5:00 ↓

By collecting health data across large populations of people, we can identify patterns that help us all.

Thinking of taking one of the new GLP-1 weight-loss drugs? 05.01.2025 4:38 ↓

Unfortunately, I can offer no strong advice.  The drugs seem to be effective, but, like with any new drug, we just don’t have all the answers.

Listening to music in Refugee Camps 29.12.2024 4:38 ↓

Music has benefits that relate hope and social connections

A tale of two kingdoms 22.12.2024 5:00 ↓

Fluoride has proven so successful that it would be crazy to deprive children of its benefits

The risk of a bird flu epidemic 15.12.2024 4:59 ↓

The risks are rising, and state and government officials are not taking this seriously.

Does free tuition impact medical student specialty choice? 08.12.2024 5:00 ↓

Philanthropy has enabled several expensive private medical schools to offer all students free tuition. Has this changed the practice of medicine?

Drug Promotion to the Public 30.11.2024 4:58 ↓

Why do drug companies push drugs to the public that just don’t work?

Doctor, will you pray with me? 24.11.2024 4:14 ↓

Medicine and spirituality often interact, but clinicians and patients can often find themselves in very different places.

The importance of standing tall 17.11.2024 4:53 ↓

Slouching has a rich history, but its medical consequences need to be better understood. 

As a group, are migrants less healthy? 03.11.2024 4:55 ↓

Migration is at an all-time high worldwide. It can impact health in many ways. 

Did the treatment really work? 26.10.2024 5:00 ↓

We often have to decide if a treatment we are taking is working and whether or not to continue it.

Food Insecurity 20.10.2024 5:00 ↓

How can a country so rich in resources and farm production have people who still go to bed hungry?

Task Shifting 13.10.2024 4:58 ↓

A model of eye care to increase access without compromising on quality

Should a mosquito-born illness seen in Los Angeles be of concern? 06.10.2024 5:01 ↓

Climate change and increased moisture have altered the habitat for mosquitos.